Eurovision will return to Rotterdam in 2021 after being cancelled due to coronavirus

Eurovision will return to Rotterdam next year, after being its 2020 contest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Eurovision Song Contest was supposed to take place on Saturday (16 May), in Rotterdam, but it was confirmed in March that the show would no longer go ahead due to the current pandemic.

Instead, BBC aired a two-hour special to mark what would have been this year’s contest and organisers have revealed that Eurovision will return to Rotterdam in 2021.

The host city for the 65th Eurovision Song Contest was announced during the Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light special that was broadcast instead of this year’s grand final in 45 different countries.

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor said: ‘We are extremely happy that we can now move forward.

‘It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year, and we’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in the Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world.

‘I firmly believe that all of us involved in the Eurovision Song Contest will stand united through challenges and change to bring the Contest back stronger than ever, ensuring its longevity for decades to come.’

NPO chairman, Shula Rijxman, added: ‘Now more than ever it is important that we, as a public broadcaster, are committed to continuing this European tradition and are organising a great event that people can look forward to during these difficult times. ‘We will do everything in our power to arrange a very special contest.’ 2021 will see some countries involved in Eurovision returning with the same act they had chosen to perform this year.

Countries were told they could select a new act for next year’s contest or invite their 2020 act to return, but with a new song as their 2020 songs wouldn’t be eligible.

So far, 11 countries including Spain, Greece, Belgium, Australia and Israel have confirmed they will compete in 2021 with returning acts.

Sweden has confirmed it will be selecting its Eurovision 2021 act through its usual selection show Melodifestivalen, while Estonia will select its next act through Eesti Laul, but has invited their 2020 act Uku Suviste back to compete in its national selection show next year.